By Joe Ogbonna
Tragedy struck during an anti-touting operation in Oba, Anambra State, as a Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) officer was reportedly masaca by a group of criminal youths in oba and tipper drivers. The incident has sparked outrage, with SASA vowing to continue its fight against touting despite the violent resistance.
According to initial reports, the SASA officer, whose identity is being withheld pending official confirmation, was part of a team carrying out routine enforcement duties when they were confronted by the mob. The situation escalated, leading to the officer’s tragic death.
In a statement, SASA condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to eradicating touting in Anambra State. “We will not be deterred by violence or intimidation. SASA is a government agency tasked with maintaining order, and we operate strictly within the law and based on verifiable evidence,” Karen said.
Amid the tragic development, Sasa Spokesperson Karen James said that the tipper drivers in the area have been raising funds to bribe some corrupt journalists to publish stories in their favor. The agency challenged the drivers to come out and denied this evidence, emphasizing its stance on transparency and due process.
A purported list of contributors to the alleged bribery scheme includes several individuals with contributions ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦20,000. The funds were reportedly intended to influence media narratives through a journalist identified as Raymond Ozoji.
Here are names of drivers who contributed to bribe journalists to write in their favor.
1, uzoma 5000
2,onyerike 5000
3, Sunday 2000
4,ocha umuoji 3000
5, Austin 3000
6, last born 3000
7,ebuka don 5000
8,presh muna 5000
9,ototonwa 5000
10,nnaji chinedu 20,000
11,c ogochukwu 5000
12,SEO garden 2000
13, William king 3000
14, uche oba. 5000
15, S nwaogaranya 5000
16, pastor V 8. 3000
17, stone man 2000
18, okpuata. 10,000
19, augustine 5000
20, amaechi 5000
21, obiefuna(T 3 3)5000
22, Ezekielugwu 5000
23, ikenna ogidi 3000
24, uche oba 2000
25, Dagger oba 2000
26, Ekeson 5000
27, emeka oraifite 5000
28, chinetugo ab..5000
29, Somadina 5000
30, Afunwa(1)5000
31, miracle otatwi 5000
32, Ogugua 4000
33, Ifennainnocent 10,000
34, Okonkwo chuck’s 5000
35, Azuka 5000
36, kakaonyeka 5000
37, person way God save 5000
38, Nzube(AKIDI)Otakwi 5000
39 Nwaforuche 5000
40, Obinna 5000
41, Erigbara Sunday nnewi. 2000
42, onyeomaizu amichi 5000
43, chimeremeze 5000
44, Ebuka nnewi 5000
45, Bonaventure 5000
46, Obi Otakwi 3000
47, Chuksmax 5000
48,
49,
50,
2286094302
Onovo uzoma azoribe
Zenith bank. This money we are raising is to give to Raymond Ozoji to influence the media. Say the Tipper Chairman.
SASA has called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The spokesperson also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any attempts to undermine its mission.
The Anambra State Police Command is expected to launch a full investigation into the incident and the allegations of media bribery. Meanwhile, SASA reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to promoting peace and order in the state.
The agency concluded its statement by honoring the fallen officer and reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward touting and corruption. She said.
